Integration of access points and clients in Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks

Belden presents Update of Hirschmann™ HiLCOS WLAN Firmware

01.04.11

PR183EN0411

Belden has announced the release of HiLCOS 8.50, a new version of its established WLAN firmware from the Hirschmann™ product range. Like its predecessors, this firmware is fully compliant with the European 5 GHz standard (EN 301893 V1.5.1). New to this firmware version, however, is that it permits access points and clients to be integrated into Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks without requiring additional management software, thus allowing flexible administration. In the future, HiLCOS 8.50 firmware will be offered as a standard for all devices in the Hirschmann™ BAT54 and BAT300 series. . In addition, the firmware will also be available as a free-of-charge download from "www.e-catalog.beldensolutions.com" enabling customers to update older access points and clients.

The use of protocol stacks for Profinet I/O and the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) from Ethernet/IP makes it possible to visualize access points via the network controllers. In that way, WLAN devices can be both easily configured and securely monitored. Over and above this, the firmware provides a number of WLAN-specific functions including signal strength and data rate of the wireless connection which are also available via the controllers. It is also possible to define threshold values and link these to alarms.

Belden has now launched HiLCOS 8.50, a new version of its established WLAN firmware from the Hirschmann™ product range. (Photo: Belden, PR183)

Belden's introduction of HiLCOS 8.50 will give further impetus to the successful use of WLAN in industrial environments. Product manager Olaf Schilperoort says: "Profinet and Ethernet I/P are currently used in around 30 percent of all automation systems worldwide. This new firmware means WLAN networks can now be used easily with such systems, opening up completely new perspectives in the automobile industry or in sectors such as oil and gas."

About Belden

Belden designs, manufactures and markets signal transmission solutions, including cables, connectors and I/O modules, wireless network systems as well as network devices and control, load sensing and load moment limitation systems designed for safety-critical applications ranging from industrial automation to data centers, broadcast studios and the aviation and aerospace industry. The company focuses on segments of the worldwide cable and automation markets that require both highly specialized and readily available products. With manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, Belden has recorded a total revenue of USD 1.45 billion for the fiscal year 2009.

Together with its brands Hirschmann™ and Lumberg Automation™, Belden offers an extensive and highly specialized product portfolio covering the full range of data communications – from the information and control levels down to the field level. The company has more than 15 offices throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with manufacturing facilities in Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Denmark, Italy and Hungary.